My time in Cybertown certainly became more fun and interesting the day I met crashdummy.
From the moment he accepted my offer to become my Deputy Mayor, I knew that a solid friendship would result.
I don't think that all of the positive growth all of us in Cybertown enjoyed during our administration would have occured without my dear and trusted friend crashdummy. It certainly wouldn't have been as fun!
The countless times that I have relied on his wisdom and keen awareness to get to the heart of any problem has become something that I have cherished for over three years.
His wit and wisdom was apparent from the start and I can only say that I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work closely with him.
I have also had the pleasure of meeting my friend crashdummy on several occasions and I can assure you that his humor extends beyond the words typed with a keyboard.
In fact, whether in person, on the telephone or within the scope of our online duties, we always seem to find time to giggle like children.
Crashdummy is truly one of my dearest friends and I am proud to present this interview for our readers!
Q. As one of Cybertown's most successful citizens you have "been there" from the beginning. In your own words, how did you "discover" Cybertown?
Virtual Reality is something that has intrigued me since I first heard of it. I stumbled across a site that was called "The Haunted House", I believe. It was created by Black Sun (blaxxun) and it was the first experience I had ever had with VR on the Internet. The site consisted of a three-story house with a foyer, library, bedrooms, elevator, and a basement. Members only had a choice of a few avatars but could still interact with each other as they do in CT. The house was complete with secret passageways that would allow you to enter into other parts of the house. These passageways required mastering the exact procedure to their entry before access could be gained. There was one where you had to get on top of a banister; walk to a certain point and jump forward which would unlock a secret panel for just a few seconds; and then run fast to enter through that door into the hidden room. Once you were inside the room you could "look out" and watch others; talk to them; and they had no idea where you were. There were many things like that but it wouldn't work today. At that time, we all were quite naïve about the "gravity" or "collision" settings.
When they finally decided to close it down, I received an email which asked if I would be interested in joining any future worlds that Black Sun might have in the works. I received an email on June 25, 1998 telling me about Colony City (the former name of Cybertown).
I joined that day and never looked back.
Q. Was there any one incident that led you to pursue your interest in CT politics?
I can't say that it was any one incident. It was more like realizing that a person could exercise a modicum of control about the way things looked and were presented that actually interested me. It wasn't really "politics" that I initially found intriguing. It wasn't until later that I grew to appreciate how much life, in general, has many of the same attributes as politics. We're all politicians to one degree or another.
Q. Please explain how you began your trek "through the ranks" to a Cybertown top position whose opinions and concerns, in many cases, became Cybertown policy?
When I first started out, I believe there were less than 500 Citizens. I didn't realize it at the time, but they were desperately looking for people to fill jobs. I applied to Hawk who was the Scifi Colony Leader for a job as Block Leader for The Seventh Gate in that colony. (At that time I don't think many people knew who he was.) *s* He appointed me as its leader. Within a month, I jokingly pointed out in an email to Hawk that I was now a seasoned leader with MUCH experience- and applied for the job of Scifi Colony Deputy. To my shock, he accepted my bid for the position. From there I spent many hours online shifting from roles as Neighborhood Leaders to Block Leaders- looking for the most qualified people to fill those positions (the one of whom I'm most proud was Vialle).
Later, in December, Hawk stepped down as Colony Leader and appointed me in his stead. I had the wonderful opportunity at my first Council meeting to witness the stepping down of soenke as our first Mayor and the appointment of Guy who was at that time the Colony Leader of Virtual Worlds. Guy became our second Mayor and guy's CD (who was Flyby) became the new CL for VW.
Shortly after that, Guy appointed Flyby as the new Deputy Mayor. About six months after that, Guy stepped down as Mayor and appointed Flyby as CT's third Mayor. Flyby then began a series of talks with me asking if I would be interested in serving as his Deputy Mayor. This was something that I really wasn't too keen in doing since I wasn't sure if I would enjoy all the rigors that go with the role of a "politician". I have always considered myself as a liberal and, in general, have never had much faith or trust in politicians. But Flyby has a way with words and speaks from his heart. He succinctly pointed out that if I didn't at least give it a shot, it might be something I would regret for the rest of my life- wondering how I might have done. He was, of course, absolutely right- as usual. The rest is, as they say, history.
Q. You have written, or co-written, many documents and policies that have shaped the future of Cybertown forever, can you pick out any particular one that you are most proud of?
I have had a hand in several things like the UBP, CERB, and Security- but the most satisfying, I guess, was the Scifi policy since it was one of my first.
Q. In retrospect, what if anything, would you change?
Heh, heh. No one has the time to read all the changes I would have made. It's the ol' hindsight thing.
Q. How has your responsibilities and involvement as Deputy Mayor of Cybertown affected your "real life"?
It hasn't. I've tried numerous times in real life to get Mrs. Dummy to call me "His Worship" and she won't do it. I have told my sons that if they didn't stop using the phone so often that I would use my "tools" and "gag" them- but to no avail. My vast experience in Cybertown is wasted on them.
Q. How would you describe your style of leadership?
Tyrannical- Liz STILL calls me King. Off with their heads, I say.
Then again…I guess it's pretty much a "hands off" approach? I like to feel that I can find capable people and put them in charge of any given situation and trust them to be able to handle it the best way possible. I like giving people a chance to prove themselves and then backing them up when they do so.
Q. Does crashdummy, the man, differ from crashdummy, the Avatar?
If so, in what way?
The avatar shops in the boy's section.
Q. Being responsible for so many citizens must have been a burden at times with many highs and lows.
Many highs and few lows, of course. The biggest high? The opportunity to do what you feel is the right thing for so many people-to help- is very satisfying. The low? Hmm…that there weren't MORE highs.
Q. What are your proudest successes?
I couldn't classify any success I've had- as just MINE. It's always been a collective effort. But I would have to say that the new Security and CERB have made us all proud. They have such a penchant for improvement- that it's second to none and I expect to see them accomplish even greater things for our city.
Q. Was there ever a "dark" point?
Yes.
Q. Can you explain?
No.
Q. Do you have any regrets?
Only that sometimes things get too serious and we lose track of how to have fun.
Q. Describe a typical day in the life of the Deputy Mayor?
That would be answering anywhere from 75-300 emails daily-depending on the "political climate". Answering questions from CT Citizens, also, accounts for some of the email. Communicating with not only the Mayor and fellow City Council members, but Cybertown Staff and Security. Helping to draft proposals for new laws and discussing them with the Council.
Q. Your show, "The Crash Show" co-starring Vialle, is considered one of the most successful events in Cybertown history.
LOL. Yes, you are absolutely right! I believe it was second only to the actual creation of Cybertown itself. It has been said that Citizens throughout the land are asking that I be canonized… or was it that I be shot out of a canon? Either way, it's nice to be "exalted".
Q. How did this come about?
I was shanghaied and forced to work without pay. Promises of extra Twinkies were never kept. I may contact the CERB to see if anything can be done.
Q. What is it like to do a "live" show on the Internet?
Nerve-wracking until the "show" started. Then it seemed easy because of Vialle. She many times played the "straight man" when she, herself, was VERY capable of "give and take" with the best of them. I owe her. She made me look good.
Q.How did you prepare for it?
A quart of gin. No wait, that's not it- because I don't drink. There was no preparation for it- which was clearly obvious to anyone who attended our "show". We had more than a few moments we looked like a fish flopping around on the beach gulping for air. But the audience participation was a lot of fun.
Q. Would you consider hosting another one like it?
If I did, the Twinkies would have to be paid upfront.
Q. How would you describe your relationship with Cybertown Staff in general and the Cybertown City Council, in particular?
My relationships with both the Cybertown Staff and the Cybertown City Council are excellent. It's one of the highlights of my CT time. I have met more intelligent, humorous, and caring people here than anywhere. I have formed relationships with people which will last forever- much like Citizens throughout CT do. We know each other on a first name basis and respect each other.
If Cybertown were to be attacked tomorrow by the Changleons or the Theorlians and fall (heaven forbid!), this still would not have been for naught. I cherish these friendships.
Q. Now that you have achieved the position of Caretaker, Cybertown's most prestigious honor, what can we expect from you?
